McDonald’s faces class action lawsuit over McRib
A group of factory owners has filed a class action lawsuit in Illinois accusing McDonald’s of lying about the ingredients in its McRib.
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The popular energy drink brand co-owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has agreed to a $3 million class action lawsuit settlement after being accused of using deceptive marketing tactics.
ZOA Energy was sued in the Northern District of California on October 23, 2023, alleging that its beverages contained chemical preservatives, even though the company originally advertised that its beverages were preservative-free.
“ZOA’s claims that its products have ‘zero preservatives’ are false because each product contains significant amounts of the preservative citric acid,” the federal complaint obtained by USA TODAY states.
ZOA Energy agreed to the settlement without admitting any wrongdoing, according to court records.
“ZOA denies these allegations and maintains that its labeling and marketing are truthful, accurate, and in compliance with applicable law,” the document states.
The class action lawsuit also claimed that the energy drink contained another chemical preservative in the form of ascorbic acid. Following the settlement announcement, plaintiffs’ attorneys established a registration period for their clients to receive compensation.
USA TODAY reached out to ZOA Energy for comment on Tuesday, January 6th.
Here’s what affected consumers need to know about the $3 million settlement fund.
Who is eligible for ZOA Energy’s settlement payments?
According to the settlement’s website, customers who purchased ZOA energy drinks labeled with “zero preservatives” between March 1, 2021 and November 21, 2025 will be eligible for cash payments.
To qualify, customers must have proof of purchase.
Those without certification are entitled to $1 for every energy drink purchase, or up to $10 per household. Those with proof of purchase can also receive $1 per energy drink, but the threshold is higher at $150 per household.
The settlement registration period runs until February 20, and customers are asked to submit their claims online.
When will the ZOA Energy settlement be paid?
A final approval hearing for the $3 million settlement is scheduled for March 26 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, according to the settlement’s website.
“The proposed relief to class participants will be provided only upon final court approval of the settlement and after the appeal, if any, is resolved in favor of the settlement,” the website states.
What happens if I do nothing or opt out?
According to the website, consumers who do not sign up “waive their right to sue (ZOA Energy) for claims released by settlement” and will not receive funds.
Consumers who wish to remove themselves from the process must opt out by February 13, 2026. By opting out, individuals retain the right to sue ZOA Energy, LLC in a class action lawsuit. However, they will not receive any money from the settlement.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
